Who is the highest IQ in the world?

Meet the Person with the Highest IQ in the World

In April 2024, the Giga Society—a rarefied group reserved for individuals with truly extraordinary cognitive abilities—recognized YoungHoon Kim from South Korea as the person with the highest recorded IQ in the world. His estimated score? A staggering 276. That number places him far beyond the average range and even above many historical geniuses whose IQs were estimated posthumously.

While IQ tests have their limitations and don't capture every form of intelligence, a score like Kim’s suggests an exceptional capacity for logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and abstract problem-solving. The Giga Society, known for its rigorous admission standards, only accepts members who score in the top 0.0001% of cognitive ability, making this recognition particularly significant.

Kim isn’t just a theoretical prodigy—he’s actively applying his intellect in practical realms. He currently serves as an advisor to several high-level organizations, including the World Mind Sports Council and the World Memory Championships. In these roles, he contributes to the development of mental sports, cognitive training, and international competitions that test the limits of human brainpower.

Though intelligence is multifaceted and not solely defined by test scores, YoungHoon Kim’s achievements and recognition spotlight the incredible potential of the human mind. His work continues to inspire conversations about how we understand genius and cultivate talent across cultures and disciplines.